The first Hinman meeting was held in 1911 by Dr. Thomas P. Hinman and was considered to be the first clinic strictly for serious-minded educational purposes. Dr. Hinman believed strongly in the individual’s contribution to dentistry.

The meeting developed a reputation for devotion to detail and hospitality that continued to grow through the years with every meeting. These qualities are represented in the motto: Devotion to detail is the secret of success.

Born in 1870, Thomas Hinman graduated from Southern Dental College in Atlanta with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1891. The following year, he joined the faculty of his alma mater and became Professor of Oral Surgery. Dr. Hinman held high offices in many professional organizations including the appointment by President Woodrow Wilson as the U.S. Delegate and Honorary Chairman of the Section VIII of the Fourth International Congress of Dentists in London. This nomination was considered one of the highest tributes in the dental world.

Today, the focus is still on providing the best possible continuing dental education, not just for the dentists but also, the whole dental team. The program addresses the needs of the general dentists, specialists, hygienists, assistants, front office staff and students.The Hinman Dental Society today is comprised of 750 dentist members, primarily located in metropolitan Atlanta. One of the primary membership responsibilities is volunteering service during the meeting each year. This service enables the reputation for unparalleled hospitality to continue. The combination of outstanding education and hospitality ensures the position of the Hinman Dental Meeting as one of the top dental programs in the country.

In October of last year, Kay’s son Derrick had a gorgeous destination wedding in Jamaica! Pictured below are Kay, her sweet husband Paul and the newlyweds Molly and Derrick. We are all so happy for them – Congratulations Derrick and Molly!

Our own team member, Jamie Horne, completed her first marathon in the Outer Banks in November 2012. While supporting her husband’s business, East Marine, she torches mile 12 and gets some extra support from her son Riley.

Thanks to all of you who supported us in becoming the 2012 Dancing With OUR Stars Winners! With ticket sales, ads, sponsorships and donations, we raised $8,632! Along with 9 other dancing couples, all together we raised $38,325!!! (And that’s just the money raised by the 10 dancing couples…we’re still waiting to hear the grand total of all money raised as a result of the event.) All the money goes to support Communities in Schools, the national leader in dropout prevention programs.

The event itself was a huge hit, and a lot of fun to boot! Thanks to everyone who contributed to help make the event such a great success! The children are the TRUE winners, thanks to generosity from so many of you. As promised, for all those who couldn’t make it to the event, here’s a link to a video clip of our dance. (Thanks to Tracy Day Pruitt for the great videography, and thanks to Nicole Futrell of Coastal Carolina Ballroom for creating the choreography and teaching us all our moves!) More pictures and video will follow as we get them!